“CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD” IS OUTSTANDING TALKIE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19122, 15 July 1930, Page 4

“CAPTAIN OF THE GUARD” IS OUTSTANDING TALKIE.

The Revolution, one of the most stirring chapters in the history of France, has been brought to the screen in “The Captain of tl*e Guard,” an excellent talking and sound picture which had its first screening at the Crystal Palace Theatre last evening. To lovers of this class of film it will have a very great appeal. The story unfolds in such a manner as to hold the undivided interest of the audience. Bazin, a court intriguer falls in love with Marie Marney, of the Coq d’Or. Intending to marry her he sends Rouget de l’lsle to teach her music but she falls in love with him. Then de *

I’lsle is called' to the colours and becomes a captain of the King’s Guards. During his absence a crowd of drunken soldiers make advances to Marie and in protecting her old Marney is shot dead. At this time Danton had been stirring up revolution and Marie becomes one of the leaders. She is known as “The Torch” and the cunning Bazin employs the unsuspecting de l’lsle to capture her. Furious at the trick played upon him de l’lsle turns revolutionary and in a moment of fervour composes the “Marseillaise,” which he dares to sing before the King and the Court. A\arie is tried and condemned, but as her end draws near the Revolution dawns and the crowd breaking into the Bastille sets her free to find happiness with her lover. The acting of .John Boles in the role of the dashing Captain of the Guard is excellent and his singing is delightful. Laura La Plante is very charming as Marie and also has a pleasing voice, while, good work is done by the supporting players. . The shorts are all good, the principal one introducing to the audience, eight of the leading song writers in the United States. The number has some novel turns and is entertaining. George Freeman, the • popular entertainer, raises laughter in his number, and an interesting news reel completes a good pro-